Join us for the December edition of the WPB GreenMarket's Master Chef Showcase Competition. Watch as local chefs battle it out for the top spot!
NOVEMBER 9
Chef Bret Faunce brings nearly 30 years of culinary expertise to his craft. A graduate of the prestigious French Culinary Institute, he hails from Philadelphia, PA, and has spent much of his career honing his craft across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. His passion for global flavors has inspired him to explore the rich diversity of ethnic cuisines, while his dedication to using the freshest ingredients led him to cultivate a garden so large it functioned as a small farm. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Chef Faunce transformed a small bus into a mobile specialty pizza kitchen, a venture that aligned with his decade-long quest to perfect the ultimate pizza. Today, he continues to innovate as he caters through Burnside Cuisine in West Palm Beach.
Boris Seymore is the visionary Executive Chef and owner behind BDS Catering & Productions and Georgia Mae’s, a Southern Soul Food gem he launched in West Palm Beach in 2023. Chef Boris is a master at blending diverse flavors and cuisines—from bold Asian fusion to comforting Southern classics—crafting dishes that bring people together with every bite. His vibrant personality and dedication to exceeding client expectations set him apart, while his Southern-inspired menu draws from treasured family recipes. With a rich background in event planning, Chef Boris seamlessly combines his culinary talents with expert event coordination, creating unforgettable dining experiences that leave a lasting impression.
A native of Palm Beach County, Chef Peter Bartalini brings over 20 years of professional culinary experience to the table: as a Johnson & Wales University graduate, he has mastered multiple culinary disciplines including work as a private chef in Manhattan, as a Sous Chef in the Hamptons, and as Executive Chef at many of Palm Beach’s hottest restaurants. His earliest experience began with the Hillstone Restaurant Group at the Palm Beach Grill. He quickly moved up from line cook to kitchen manager for Hillstone in Orlando, and then Houston’s in Atlanta and Boca Raton. As Executive Chef he was instrumental in opening some of Palm Beach County’s favorite spots to eat including Voodoo Bayou and AquaGrille. Everywhere he has worked Chef Peter offers his own distinctive and elevated take on favored comfort foods that tantalize the palate. He enjoys utilizing seasonal ingredients creatively to construct unprecedented dishes. Recently he joined forces with Chef Laura Todd to lead the culinary vision of Laura Ashley Catering & Events as her Executive Chef. With a passion for creating joy through food, Chef Peter infuses every dish with style and innovation.
Joey Leuze, The 2023-2024 GreenMarket Master Chef Before coming to West Palm Beach in 2008, Chef Joey got his start cooking at his mom’s French restaurant in Germany, and later as a chef on luxury yachts in the French Riviera. His cuisine is focused on fresh ingredients from local farms, and is heavily inspired by his European background. With his crew at Palm Beach Catering, Chef Joey is the creative mind behind many Palm Beach galas and events. Having been a vendor at the West Palm Beach GreenMarket for many years, Chef Joey is very excited to be back to show off his culinary expertise and exercise his competitive nature he hones playing tennis and pickleball.
Chef Hugo's culinary journey began at 18 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he completed a 2-year apprenticeship with the American Culinary Federation. Seeking further growth, he moved to Miami and completed 2 years in the Culinary Program at Robert Morgan Vocational Institute. From there he went on to refine his skills while advancing through the ranks at some of South Florida's most prestigious country clubs, culminating at the renowned PGA National Resort and Spa. In 1998, Chef Hugo launched a successful take-out and delivery lunch restaurant in Boca Raton, and then began focusing on his passion for the catering business. By 2000, he established Hugo’s Gourmet Catering, offering exceptional, wholesome cuisine for events of all sizes. For the past 24 years, Chef Hugo has been a trusted name in the South Florida culinary scene, known for his commitment to quality and his expertise in delivering memorable dining experiences.
Trained in Europe, Michael “Cheffee” Ober’s culinary skills developed over 25 years working in 5-star hotels and elite restaurants in Europe, earning Michelin Stars. Michael expanded his horizons in 2008 when he was invited to work in the mega-yachting industry and has since sailed around the world cooking for the rich and famous – notably including businessman and philanthropist Alex Dreyfoos from West Palm Beach - aboard some of the world’s largest private yachts. Michael’s cooking style reflects a traditional French foundation with a focus on fresh produce and embraces the global influences of his travels. He is currently writing a book about his life in the kitchen. Corks & Forks Catering was established in 2011, and offers full-service catering, corporate catering, delivery menus, wine dinners, and bar services, all 5-star service.
Chef Rodrigo Cuevas, Executive Chef for Sandy James Catering, originates from Cancun, Mexico, where his profound connection with food first took root in 2011. Having graduated from the esteemed Lincoln Culinary Institute in 2013, Cuevas masterfully blends traditional Mexican flavors with innovative techniques, earning acclaim for his culinary finesse and commitment to preserving his cultural heritage. With an unyielding dedication to crafting exceptional dishes, he enters the Master Chef Showcase poised to display his expertise and artistic creativity.